Help me pick out a rudder

[kielbasa]

Hi guys, still continuing with putting my Century runabout back together....the rudder currently in there is all bent up from the propshaft evacuating the rear end, it is slightly rectangular or trapezoidal, why that shape? I seen some ski boats this past weekend turn on a dime, and I'm sure the round ear shaped rudder has something to do with it. Am I correct? I sure wouldn't mind my boat turning like that, but there must be some sort of compromise with the ski boat type rudder (otherwise every boat would have something like it?) One thing I don't want to do is sacrifice noticeable top end speed though, what would you guys suggest? Thanks!

[GofastRacer]

Well I take it it's some kind of cruiser right??, :confused: if so put a trailing rudder on it!..

[kielbasa]

well that much I can figure out, what I don't know is why there are different shapes of rudders and what are advantages/disadvantages of each....

[dmontzsta]

http://www.rexmar.com/page141.html
A trailing rudder is going to help keep the nose down, it is better for turning.
A wedge rudder is going to keep the nose up a bit more, better straight ahead.
There is a good thread about rudders, do a search in the V-Drive section.

[dmontzsta]

Here are some good threads to check out, they can give you some ideas so you can weigh your options.
http://www2.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76002&highlight=rudder
http://www2.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68893&highlight=rudder
http://www2.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72644&highlight=rudder
Out of those three threads, you should be able to make a decision. But, like Art said, if it is a cruiser, go for the trailing rudder or you will be hating life a bit more when you have to turn.